October 28, 2013 AT 4:00 am

Maru Prototype 1 – fully programmable, wireless LED hula hoop

On beyond smart hoops there is Maru. Here is a peek at version 1.0 in all its janky, buggy glory! The project is in its initial stages; this is our first prototype.

Maru is a fully programmable, wireless LED hula hoop. Using open source software called Vixen, you can create performance specific sequences for one or more hoops by importing your music and adding color changes, fades and other effects that are perfectly timed to the soundtrack.

In this video, you’ll see some of what Maru can do. And to keep it real, you’ll also see some of the problems with the prototype.

Maru is designed and engineered by Akiba (Chris Wang) of Freaklabs with enthusiastic support by Tink (Kristen McQuillin) of Spin Matsuri.

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